You're not off base because all Batman stories are about dealing with some trauma. The very reason why Batman exists at all is because it is a way for Bruce to deal with those painful memories he holds onto. It's no coincidence that all the Robins have faced some turmoil as children, as well. The Dark Knight Rises offers an optimistic view of dealing that pain, saying that there is a way out of the darkness and we can all move on.

I prefer the ending to the Nolan trilogy than the idea of Bruce being Batman forever, because that's a very sad portrait of the character. It means that he couldn't get on with his life and leave crime fighting to the numerous sidekicks he has trained and raised like his own children. We must remember that underneath the cowl of The Batman is the person Bruce Wayne.